we have breaking news on the fiscal cliff negotiations. john harwood with the details. over to you, john. >> maria, just wanted to bring you up to date on a development, which is the resumption of some staff level discussions between the congress, the speaker's office in particular, and the white house. we've been through a period where both sides, the principa s principals, the speaker and president have been striking tough lines in public, having made some initial moves towards cooperation, but word followed up no more meetings scheduled between the principals. wasn't that much going on staff to staff. that's changed today from yesterday. to you have some discussions resumed. i don't want to overplay the significance, but it is an encouraging sign for people who think that the ice had been beginning to crack around some of the positions, especially with the republicans on taxes. we may be looking for some forward movement. got to watch over the next day or so. >> this is good news, john. >> it is good news. it is an indication that we may be intensifying discussions t